Agriculture

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Financial Assistance

Ag Action Manitoba Program

Research and Innovation

DESCRIPTION

The Ag Action Manitoba Program provides grant funding for researcher and industry-led projects that contribute to the development of agricultural knowledge and skills and improve the competitiveness and sustainability of Manitoba’s agriculture, agri-food and agri-product sectors.

Projects can fall under one of two streams of funding:

basic and applied research and development activities

investment related to capacity building

Within each stream, applicants may apply under one of the six focus areas:

crop breeding, production and handling technologies and practices to increase productivity and reduce production risk

grain utilization innovations that increase the value and expand demand for Manitoba

Livestock Production- Improved productivity, containment and solutions to emerging threats and new and improved product attributes in livestock industries.

Agri-Resource Management - Climate change resilience through investments in new technologies and practices.

Processing and Value Added - Primary research projects that contribute to the advancement of the food and agri-product processing sector through the development of new products, co-stream utilization and improved productivity.

Economic and Market Analysis - Research that mitigates risk for the agriculture, agri-food and agri-product sector and aids in market development by advancing knowledge in risk mitigation, market intelligence, industry benchmarking economic impact, labour markets and consumer behaviour.

Other - Research and development projects that enhance the growth, competitiveness and sustainability of the agriculture sector.

Applicants do not need to reside in Manitoba, as long as the activities related to the application occur in Manitoba or have a positive outcome for Manitoba.

AVAILABLE ASSISTANCE

Total approved costs will be cost-shared 50/50 between the applicant and government.

Maximum government contribution is 50 per cent of the total approved costs.

Applicant’s contribution can be cash, in-kind contribution or a combination of both. In-kind contributions may not exceed 50 per cent of the applicant's share.

Refer to the relevant Terms and Conditions Guidebook for more information on eligible and ineligible costs.

HOW TO APPLY

When there is a call for applications, the Research and Innovation activity will require applicants to submit a letter of intent (LOI) to Manitoba Agriculture for review.

Manitoba Agriculture will advise the industry on calls for LOI through our newsletter, website and social media channels, and through limited advertising.

Review the relevant Ag Action Manitoba Program Terms and Conditions Guidebook before you complete your application form to ensure you meet all requirements for eligibility. On the application you will be required to state that you have read, understand and agree to abide by all the requirements set out in the guide.

The LOI must be submitted to the program administrator no later than the deadline and can beemailed to Manitoba Agriculture.

Once the LOI has been assessed for technical merit and program requirements, eligible applicants will be invited to submit a full application.

Co-applicant information will be required for all projects where more than one individuals or businesses are partnering to submit a joint application.

The applicant must provide a communications plan addressing knowledge transfer (meaning the transfer of expertise, learning and skills between parties) at the time of application. The contribution agreement will specify communication activities that are approved to proceed and also, the applicant’s obligations with respect to those communication activities.

All applications are subject to funding and intake availability.

Questions to Ask Yourself as You Prepare Your Application

Have you fully described your proposed project?

Did you clearly explain the project's benefits and do they meet the program's intended goals and objectives?

Do you have a mechanism to measure the performance of your project?

Did you include a communication plan that outlines how you will communicate the project results?

Have you considered all expenses associated with the project and have you included them in your proposed project budget?

WHO TO CONTACT

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PROGRAM

Applications will be reviewed and assessed according to the following criteria (as applicable):

scientific merit and originality

research approach and methodology

communication plan and knowledge transfer

potential impact of project on sector

capability on research team

financial and delivery risk

Preference will be given to applications for basic and applied research.

Application Decision Notification

All applicants will receive a funding decision letter from the program administrator.

Successful applicants must enter into a contribution agreement with the Manitoba government. The agreement lists the rights and responsibilities of all parties with respect to government funding, and it must be approved by the program administrator.

Reporting

The contribution agreement will detail program funding requirements, including the payment Rprocess, the budget, performance and financial reporting requirements.